Did you know that tooth decay is one of the most widespread chronic diseases in the United States? Four out of every five children have experienced some form of tooth decay by their 17th birthday, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Preventive care from our local Lake Forest family dentists, Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes go a long way to preventing tooth decay. We offer fluoride treatments as an extra method of defense against cavities.
WHAT IS FLUORIDE?
Dentists have been using fluoride for more than a century.
A natural mineral, fluoride interacts with calcium and other elements in your mouth, and achieves the following:
- Provides an additional layer of defense against tooth decay
- Hardens and re-mineralizes small imperfections that form naturally on the surfaces of teeth
- Strengthens and hardens tooth enamel, the crucial exterior layer of your tooth structure that protects against decay
WHO SHOULD RECEIVE FLUORIDE TREATMENTS?
Lake Forest Smiles recommends fluoride for children, and sometimes adults may benefit from it as well. We prefer to administer these treatments at regularly scheduled check-ups every six months, which also includes a dental cleaning and examination. Children who still are learning how to properly care for their teeth benefit the most from fluoride treatments.
We also offer fluoride treatments to any patient who wants to receive one.
Fluoride treatments help individuals with a higher risk of tooth decay due to factors such as:
- Gum disease
- Genetics
- Living with a non-fluoridated water supply, such as well water
- Those who cannot make regular dental visits due to financial or transportation limitations
FLUORIDE TREATMENTS
We can administer fluoride treatments as part of your check-up or at another scheduled appointment. It is simple and easy to apply. Our dental hygienist brushes the fluoride varnish over the teeth following a thorough dental cleaning. Fluoride treatments may also be available for at-home application. Ask our Lake Forest dentists if at-home fluoride treatments could benefit you or your child.
You should abstain from eating, drinking, or rinsing your mouth for a minimum of 30 minutes after any fluoride treatment.
Keep in mind that any preventive procedure, including fluoride, should not substitute for regular brushing and flossing as part of a thorough, diligent regimen of daily oral hygiene. Lake Forest Smiles also advises all of our patients, no matter their age and oral health, to use fluoridated toothpaste with the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of acceptance. You also should visit our Lake Forest general dental office every six months for a check-up that includes a professional dental cleaning.
FLUORIDE TREATMENTS IN LAKE FOREST, LAKE BLUFF, LINCOLNSHIRE
As always, prevention is your best defense against the threat of tooth decay. For more information on fluoride treatments or any other part of our program of preventive care, schedule a consultation at Lake Forest Smiles by calling (847) 234-4800. Drs. David Schmidt and Tracey Hughes have been providing elite dental care to the communities of Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Lincolnshire for more than 30 years. We welcome you to our practice.